South Africa-born and Europe-based folk artist JPSon has featured on this blog before, but it’s been awhile since we’ve featured him on these pages. That’s all about to change thanks to the release of his debut album. A collection inspired by the life and loss of his father, it’s called Legacy of Love.
By Graeme Smith
Two years ago, JPSon was on the verge of releasing some of his tracks as an EP, but a snowboarding accident put things on pause. Shortly after, he was delivered the blow of the sudden and unexpected loss of his father. Through grief, the EP grew into his debut album, released in his honour.
The album opens with its title track. It’s a bittersweet start, coming with gentle acoustic guitar and bright vocals. The lyrics tell a loving picture, tinged with a certain sadness, especially during a reflective chorus. Breathe follows with the story of JPSon’s accident. It’s a slow-burning and meditative track that hits hard because of the vulnerability on display. The change up after its stripped-back first verse ramps up the emotion and proves an early highlight.
My Bones is a delicate moment full of imagery and nostalgia. Ignite Me burns with a subtle flame, with the vocals taking on an especially soulful quality as part of its percussive arrangement. Save Me is infused with reluctant hope. It looks at a brighter future while reflecting on the struggles of the past.
At the heart of the album is the two-parted odyssey that is For You. It’s the JPSon sound at its most characteristic, with strummed strings and expressive vocals. There’s a sense of longing about its lyrics that gradually develops into gratitude while its arrangement becomes bold and expansive. Together they are another highlight.
Keine Schokolade introduces some whimsy to proceedings with a brassy composition. Black & Blue then keeps things lively while introducing elements of reggae. Tanita softens things again with its storytelling effort before Got To Push Through gives us some tender encouragement.
Wolves At War closes the album with a powerful farewell. It combines honest self-doubt with optimism in a beautifully articulated story that sums up the themes of the album. A sweeping, folksy conclusion provides some catharsis and proves a final highlight.
JPSon self-recorded and self-produced Legacy of Love. You can give it a listen below.
